Fiddler on the Roof

The stage version of Fiddler on the Roof premiered on Broadway in 1964 and in the West End in 1967, to great critical acclaim, becoming the longest running musical on Broadway until it was surpassed by Grease. Many of its songs went on to be hits in their own right. Based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem it tells the story of milkman Tevye, his wife Golde and their five daughters as Tevye tries to maintain his Jewish traditions against a background of increasing persecution in 1905 Russia and the ever-present forces of change.

We were welcomed by an amazing set, with stunning projected background and the simple skeletons of the wooden houses of Anatevka. Many congratulations to your set designer Claudia Vogt and your builders – I was convinced you’d hired a professional set, until I read the programme. It was complimented by equally authentic and simple furniture and props, which were efficiently set and struck by the stage crew. Ian Pratt’s atmospheric lighting enhanced the image further as did the splendid costumes (Sarah Dove, Patricia Buttery, Claudia Vogt and team) – what a task providing such authentic looking outfits and footwear for such a large cast!

Director Jacquie Arnott has assembled a strong cast who worked incredibly well together to create exactly the right atmosphere for the show. We really felt we were amongst the villagers, experiencing everything they did. Scarlett Oakshott’s clever choreography was interpreted really crisply (especially in “Tradition”) and brought joy and excitement to the proceedings in the bar and wedding scenes.

Essential to the piece is Tevye, and Chris Hackett impressed enormously with his accent, appearance and strong singing. You really felt for this kind-hearted man, desperately swimming against the tide of change to look after his family and maintain the traditions he believed in. His conversations with God were particularly touching. Emily Watts as his wife Golde has a beautiful singing voice. Their duet “Do You Love Me” was treated much more like a conversation than it usually is and was just heart-breaking to hear.

Emily Collins-Wingate and Jack May as Tzeitel and Motel made a lovely couple showing the strength needed to go against the arranged marriage to Lazar Wolf (a strong and convincing performance by Geoff Wootton). Radical student Perchik was well interpreted by Jack Mason and his duet with Laura Hinton as Hodel “Now I Have Everything” and Laura’s beautiful rendition of “Far from the Home I Love” were high points in the show for me. Sophie Baker and Adam Brombley gave touching performances as Chava and Fyedka, both bravely flouting traditions and beliefs.

I must also mention Kate Gardner’s wonderful characterisation of the gossipy and meddlesome matchmaker Yente; and Paula Currie (Grandma Tzeitel) and Scarlett Oakshott (Fruma-Sarah) for their magnificent performances in Tevye’s dream – so good! Also Em Sefton-Smith, whose lyrical fiddle playing punctuated the performance perfectly, and Daisy Rush for bravely stepping in at short notice to play Mendel.

On the subject of music, the band under the capable baton of Dennis Brombley sounded great. Positioned at the back of the stage they produced a very authentic sound and, thanks to Sean Ridley’s excellent sound operation, never overwhelmed the singers – we heard pretty much every word. Singing quality throughout, both choral and solo, was excellent with some lovely harmonies and the “Sabbath Prayer” in particular was a joy to hear.

 What a superb production this was – it looked and sounded exactly right. Thank you Jacquie and PTG for reminding me what an excellent and heart-warming show Fiddler is. Despite portraying the persecution of a community, which sadly continues to this day around the world, it shows how community and the will to survive can overcome almost anything.

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